44-Year-Old Japanese Tourist Facing Prison After being Charged with Stealing a Wristwatch from Bali Geleria Duty-Free Shop

Kompas.com reports that a 44-year-old Japanese Woman, Nuzomi Igami, from Osaka, Japan was arrested by police at 5:30 pm on Saturday, August 11, 2017, for stealing an Armani Wristwatch priced at nearly Rp. 5 million from the Duty-Free Shop Mall Bali Galeria operated by PT Inti Duty-Free Promosindo.

The theft was reported to police in Kuta by a Duty-Free Shop Mall Bali Galeria employee Ni Putu Sumartini.

The Japanese tourist was staying at the Nyuh Gading Guest House in Ubud at the time of her arrest.

The Japanese woman’s arrest was based on Sumartini’s report filed with the police and an analysis of CCTV coverage that caught the theft on camera. Security at the shop found the woman in the parking lot of the Duty-Free Complex at 7:00 pm with the watch concealed in her purse

The Japanese woman will be charged under the Indonesian Criminal Code (362 KUHP) that carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.

A Chinese national working as a tour leader was arrested at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport on Friday, August 11, 2017

Beritabali.com reports that the man, identified only by the initials WT, was arrested after disembarking Citilink QC 8839 that landed in Bali at midnight on Friday, August 11, 2017, from Ningbo, China.

WT told officers from the Narcotic Police (BNNP) that he had purchased the drugs in China for personal consumption during his stay in Bali.

Police continue to investigate the case.

Carting Before the Horse?

Confusion Surrounds Plans for Bali’s New Airport at Kubutambahan North Bali With Exact Location and Jakarta's Approval Still Uncertain

NusaBali reports that plans to build Bali’s second international airport in the village of Kubutambahan, Buleleng, North Bali is raising both doubts and sparking controversy in several sectors of Balinese society.

Imminent plans for a ground-breaking ceremony and the laying of our cornerstone at the location for the new airport is adding to the ill-ease felt by many. Confusing local residents are plans by one “so-called investor” in the airport to conduct a number of prayer ceremonies at Hindu temples surrounding Kubutambahan before a formal cornerstone ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 28, 2017.

A plan to install a cornerstone has been announced by the management of PT Bandara Internasional Bali Utara (BIBU) Panji Sakti. Prior to the August 28th ceremony, another investors in the airport, Pembangunan Bali Mandiri (PBM), has also announced plans to hold religious ceremonies at local temples.

Confused? PT BIBU Pandji Sakti has applied to the Central Government for a location permit with a runaway built on reclaimed land in the ocean. Meanwhile, PBM has taken an alternate course and applied to the Central Government for a location permit with an airport built entirely on existing land.

Many are asking if it is appropriate to go ahead with plans to lay a cornerstone and conduct religious ceremonies connected to the new airport when, in fact, the final location permits has yet to be issued by the Ministry of Transportation?

Local citizens in Kubutambahan are beginning to question if those presenting themselves as investors in the new airport can be seriously considered when they are vying to install a cornerstone on a location that is tentative, at best.

Villagers in the region are becoming increasingly suspicious about the project and those posing as investors. In the midst of this confusion, village and community leaders are demanding clarification, socialization, and coordination from the new airport’s investors directed to the traditional communities in the area of the proposed airport.

The traditional chief of Kubutambahan, Gede Pariadnyana, said on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, that he is also frustrated by the many questions posed by the community regarding the new airport that he, due to a lack of information, is unable to answer.

Pariadnyana said the Central Government via the Ministry of Transportation must issue the required location permit so the subsequent steps pursuant to creating the new airport can get underway.

Villagers are watching with no small amount of curiosity as PT BIBU and PT PBM seem to be in open competition to conduct prayer ceremonies and cornerstone ceremonies as a means of claiming ownership of the project.

A Malaysian national, Mohamad Azzren Bin Mohamad Arip (28) was arrested at 11:30 am on Friday, August 18, 2017, by Custom’s Officials at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport when he was found with two marijuana cigarettes in his pant’s pocket.

Arip arrived in Bali on Malindo Ari flight from Kuala Lumpur.

Working on leads and suspicions, Custom’s officials searched the man’s luggage and his person where found the two marijuana cigarettes concealed in a cigarette package in his trouser pocket.

Beritabali.com reports that the man from Kedah, Malaysia admits he brought the marijuana for his personal enjoyment during a planned 5-day holiday in Bali.

The Malaysian is under arrest and awaiting arraignment on drug charges before the Denpasar, Bali Court.

After flying solo in a single-engine A36 Beechcraft Bonanza Aircraft over 12,861 miles since leaving Florida’s Daytona Beach International Airport on May 13, 2017, a 29-year-old female pilot Shaesta Waiz landed in Bali on Tuesday evening at 8:07 pm on August 15, 2017.

The naturalized U.S. Citizen and a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University landed in Bali after departing Singapore 7 hours earlier.

The State News Agency Antara, reports that the young woman lived for a period in a refugee camp with her family after fleeing Kabul in 1987 during the Afghanistan-Soviet conflict. In time, the family immigrated to the United States where they obtained U.S. citizenship.

Waiz says she undertook her solo circumnavigation in order to underline the importance of a science, technological and mathematical, and aviation training.

She helped found Dream Soars – an organization dedicated to encouraging women to pursue careers in aviation science.

Waiz stayed the Hotel Discovery Kartika Plaza during her three-day layover in Bali and embarking on the next leg of her epic journey – a 953 nautical mile flight from Bali to Darwin, Australia.

When she completes her 90-day circumnavigation, Shaesta Waiz will have flown 25,617 nautical miles, landed in 18 countries, and be the youngest woman to ever solo-circumnavigated the globe.

In an effort to strengthen artistic collaborations via cultural exchange, the Australian Consulate-General in Bali sponsored a musical workshop for visually impaired students from the Dria Raba Foundation in Denpasar on Friday, August 18, 2107.

Joining the students for a day of music-making were jazz musician Julian Banks from Australia and Kendang Sunda Indonesia musician Cepi Kusmiadi.

During the workshop, Julian Banks and Cepi Kusmiadi collaborated with the students showing how modern Australian jazz music in collaboration with traditional Indonesian percussive instruments can produce beautiful music.

The Australian Consul-General in Bali, Dr. Helena Studdert, said that it was a great pleasure to have the touring musicians give freely of their time to work with the students. “This type of artistic collaboration reflects the long-standing and close cultural and people-to-people links between Australia and Indonesia, and Bali in particular,” she said.

Chairman of Dria Raba Foundation, Ibu Dayu Pradyani, expressed her appreciation for the musical workshop. “Visually impaired children have very sensitive hearing to music, so the workshop introducing our students to with a variety of musical instruments that can be collaborated is highly targeted,' she said.

an excellent opportunity for our students and we thank the Australian Consulate General for the trust given to us to work together to organize this event,' she added.

Around 30 students and teachers of the Dria Raba Foundation participated in the workshop.

Through the Direct Aid Program (DAP), the Australian Consulate-General provided assistance to the Dria Raba Foundation to complement and improve facilities, and also secure musical instruments at the school.

For information about the programs and other Australian Consulate-General activities in Bali and NTB, follow on @KonJenBali on Twitter.

Bali Safari and Marine Park in Gianyar Bali celebrated Indonesia’s 72nd anniversary on August 17, 2017, with its staff competing in traditional tug of wars, kerupuk eating challenges and other games – duplicating the festivities underway in villages and communities nationwide during the Nation's anniversary.

But, that is where the similarities with National Independence Day events in the rest of Indonesia end. At the 40-hectare nature and amusement park, the highlight of “Hari Kemerdekaan” was a parade that included some of the more than 60 species who make their home at the Bali Safari and Marine Park.

Parading the national colors of red and white were Sumatran elephants, pythons, colorful Macaws, sulfur-crested cockatoos, iguanas and a binturong.

Witnessing an Independence Day unlike any other were ranking officials from the Regency of Gianyar and residents of surrounding villages.

As reported by Beritabali.com, the well-trained and patriotic elephants raised a salute when the Indonesian flag was paraded in the remarkable ceremony.

The General Manager of the Bali Safari & Marine Park, Thomas Colbert, said: “The ceremony and games among employees is a regular feature at our Company. The collaboration evidenced viaa number of internal commemorative and environmental events has enabled Bali Safari to win a number of awards.

(Photo: Bali Post)

ISIS Operating in Bali?

Head of Udayana Military Command Says at Least 50 ISIS Members operating in Bali

Denpost.com reports that security authorities in Bali, based on available data, estimate 50 people living in Bali are members of the Islamic State or ISIS.

These 50 people are said to be living in various parts of the Island.

The presence of ISIS members in Bali was revealed by the Chief of the 9th Udayana Military Command, Major General Komaruddin Simanjuntak, on Monday, August 14, 2017, during a working meeting with the 1609 Military Battalion in Buleleng. Moreover, Komaruddin does not discount the possibility that the actual number of ISIS members living in Bali may be much more.

For this reason, Komaruddin cautioned all areas of Bali to be on guard. “Based on the data we have, there may be more (ISIS members). Compare this to the Philippines where there were 40 ISIS members reported, but after the military emergency of ten days, there were (suddenly) 250 (ISIS members). This means the actual number (could) exceed the estimates. If we are logical, it could be ten times more,” said Komaruddin.

The Military Commander for Bali said the priority must be to put a security system in place for the Island to ensure that every area is safe from terror and radicalism.

”The Indonesian Armed Forces always synergizes with the police including regional governments to put security in place in all regions. So, whatever programs are set up by the Government or the police, the military will support it 100 percent,” said Major General Komaruddin.

Profitable Indonesian Airports

PT Angkasa Pura Books 61% More Profits for Semester-I of 2017

PT Angkasa Pura I, the State-owned airport operating authority that manages 13 airports in Indoneia – including Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport, has recorded a 61% increase in profits over the first six-months of 2017 totaling Rp. 885 billion.

As reported by Balipost.com, the increase in profits are due to a 17% increase in income recorded by PT Angkasa Pura I totaling Rp. 2.9 trillion.

PT Angkasa Pura I derives 60% of its income (Rp. 2.05 trillion) from its aeronautical business. Non-aeronautical enterprises represented Rp. 1.35 trillion of the company’s total income in the first semester of 2017.

The CEO of PT Angkasa Pura I, Danang S. Baskoro, said the significant increase in profitability was due to additional air traffic and new air routes when compared to 2016.

For all of 2017, Angkasa Pura I is targeting profits of Rp. 1.17 trillion, an improvement of 28% over 2016.

Baskoro said that PT Angkasa Pura I is pro-actively offering new routes to the 13 airports under its management by granting incentives on airport and landing fees.

Sekali Merdeka! Tetap Merdeka!

Passengers at Bali’s Airport Included in Indonesian Independence Day Celebrations on August 17-18, 2017

Guests arriving at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport received a joyous welcome on Thursday, August 17, 2017, the 72nd Anniversary of Indonesian Independence.

As reported by the State News Agency Antara, the spokesman for Bali’s Airport, Arie Ahsanurrohim, said, “We desire to provide service to passengers by sharing the atmosphere of Independence Day.”

Among the activities staged at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport were Krupuk eating competitions held among passengers waiting to board their flights. Other games, such as those found in village celebrations across the County, include bazaar games and traditional songs and dance.

The Independence Day celebrations at the airport took place over two days, August 17-18, 2017.

In the month leading up to the celebration, employees at the Airport had spent more than a month decorating every corner of both the domestic and international terminals.

More than 3,500 miniature Indonesian flags were given away to guests at the Airport over the two days.

Register to Swim, Run, and Cycle in Bali

Herbalife Bali International Triathlon Returns to Bali October 15, 2017

The Herbalife Bali International Triathlon 2017 return to Bali for its 10th edition on Sunday, October 15, 2017, headquartered on Mertasari Beach in Sanur.

Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta, the Senior Director and General Manager of Herbalife Nutrition Indonesia, Andam Dewi, said: “We are very proud to act as title sponsor of the Bali International Triathlon for the third time. This support represents our commitment to campaign for an active and healthy lifestyle based on good nutrition.”

The Herbalife Bali International Triathlon was named the “best overall short course triathlon in Asia” by AsiaTri Magazine in a selection made from among 60 races held in 12 countries in 2016.

A Sprint Distance race that is composed of a 500-meter swim, a 20-kilometer cycling race and a foot race of 5 km.

A 5km fun run.

More than 2,000 participants are expected to participate, including an Indonesian triathlon champion Jauhari Johan. Jauhari represents Indonesia in the triathlon held in late August at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.

As the title sponsor, Herbalife Nutrition will provide all participants with their products during practice sessions, pre-events, coaching clinics and at the actual race.

Participants will also be provided with Herbalife’s Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix and NRG Tea at a special booth operating at Race Central on Mertasari Beach.

Bali to Calcutta Flights by AirAsia Confirmed to Start on October 1, 2017

AirAsia to Add Four Flights per week from Bali to Calcutta, India starting on October 1, 2017

Kompas.com reports that AirAsia Indonesia will commence flying between Bali and Calcutta on October 1, 2017. The announcement ended suspense on whether AirAsia would fly to Calcutta from Bali or Jakarta.

This will make Calcutta the second city after Mumbai served by AirAsia Indonesia.

The 7.5-hour flight between Bali and Calcutta will include a transit stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The new flight service to India was confirmed in a press release from Dendy Kurniawan, CEO of AirAsia Indonesia on August 17, 2107.

The Indian inbound market to Bali during the first six-months of 2017 totaled 129,727 – an increase of 39.90% over the same period in 2016.

India is now the third largest source of foreign visitors to Bali.

The new service between Bali and Calcutta will operate four times a week using Airbus A320 aircraft with 180 seats.

The flight will depart Bali on Monday. Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 8:20 pm landing in Kuala Lumpur 11:20 pm. After a transit stop, the flight will leave Kuala Lumpur at 11:44 pm landing in Calcutta at 1:35 am.

Bali Chief of Police Urges Execution on Site of Policemen Found Involved in Narcotics Trade

NusaBali reports that Bali’s Provincial Chief of Police, Inspector General Petrus Golose has double-downed on earlier calls to fire and prosecute policeman found guilty of any illicit involvement with narcotic and is now urging that policeman involved in the use or trade of drugs be shot at the scene of the crime.

Inspector General Golose issued his stern warning at a ceremony destroying confiscated illegal alcohol and drugs at Bali Police Headquarters on Tuesday, August 15, 2017. In front of tens of the police personnel and guests, Bali’s top policeman forcefully restated his commitment in fighting narcotics.

Golose said: “It is no longer a secret that members of the police are involved in narcotics. If there is a member of the police force involved in drugs I ask that they just be shot. Are we prepared to do this?”

Prior to being appointed the Head of the Bali Provincial Police, Golose served as the Head of the National Terrorism Mitigation Agency (BNPT). Golose told those in attendance that during the first six months of 2017, Police in Bali handled 572 narcotics-related cases, solving 526 cases (92%). The number of narcotics cases, he said, has increased substantially from 2016. Adding: “This has become a serious threat for the coming generations and the future of the Nation. I target to lower the number of illegal drug cases although it may be impossible to completely eliminate the problem.”

Prosecutors Seeking Sentence Review and Harsher Sentence for Son of Bali Legislator Convicted of Murder

NusaBali reports that the Public Prosecutors have formally filed with the Denpasar Court their intention to appeal the four-year prison sentence given to Dewa Komang Derdy Anthoni (shown) - the 16-year-old son of a PDIP member of the Bali Provincial House of Representatives (DPRD), Dewa Nyoman Rai Adi, in the stabbing death of a military cadet, Prada Yanuar Setiawan (20) in South Bali that occurred on Sunday, July 9, 2017.

Prosecutors say they are exercising their right to seek a sterner punishment for the boy because the sentence of four-years failed, in their opinion, to satisfy the dead soldier’s family demand that justice be served.

In the original trial, Prosecutors sought 5.5 years in prison for the lawmaker’s son.

Dewa Komang Derdy Anthoni four-year sentence handed down by the court met the minimum sentencing requirement of two-thirds of the sentence demanded by prosecutors. The section of the laws under which the boy was convicted carries a maximum sentence of 12 years, with punishment maximums for under-aged children usually halved the adult maximum sentence.

Prosecutors reportedly have no plans to seek heavier sentences for the three other young men convicted in the attack that killed the young soldier who were sentenced between 1.5 and 2 years.

Bali Discovery Now Represented in the Indian Market by Eazee Connect Respz in Mumbai

Bali Discovery Tours and Bali Discovery Event have appointed Eazee Connect Repz to represent Bali and other Indonesian destinations to the travel and tourism industry in India.

Eazee Connect Repz is a pan-India, destination management company representation agency based in Mumbai, with extensive business contacts in the travel industry, built over a period of 21 years.

Managed by Luckyy Tak, Eazee Connect Repz prides itself on its extensive marketing outreach used to support local Destination Management Companies and hotels in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Spain, and now Bali.

Commenting on the establishment of a representative role for Eazee Connect Repz, Lynda “Etha” Margaretha, Director of Meetings, Incentives, and Exhibitions at Bali Discovery said: “I am very excited to be working with Luckyy Tak and Eazee Connect Repz - one of India’s best-connected travel representatives. This is certain to help us expand our India-sourced business and serve better a market that has increased 40% during the firsts six months of 2017.

On August 16, 2017, on the eve of the 72nd anniversary of Indonesian Independence, hundreds of local residents in the Sanur Beach area of Bali staged a torch-lit parade to celebrate Indonesian Independence.

As reported by Metrobali.com, participating in the parade were schools and community organizations across Sanur.

The torch-lit parade started at 6:30 pm starting from the Sanur Development Foundation (Yayasan Pembangunan Sanur – YPS) and followed a course to the Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Danau Beratan, and Jalan Danau Tondano before returning to YPS.

Wayan Apel Hendrawan from Leak Sanur said the parade was also organized to show Sanur’s solidarity in opposition to plans to reclaim Benoa Bay and turn that area into a major tourism development. Banners bearing the logo of ForBali – the Forum organizing opposition to the reclamation plan – were carried by local youth in the parade proclaiming their opposition to the project.

The three traditional villages (Desa Adat) located in Sanur have stated their opposition to the reclamation of Benoa Bay.

A Sanur resident Ni Wayan Rosma Dewi who joined the parade said she was there to show support to the movement rejecting the reclamation project. “If we as members of Bali’s youth don’t refuse this project, who will? ” she said.

Padma Resort Legian and Padma Resort Ubud will present the August 2017 Bali tour of the Jakarta Concert Orchestra Bali.

Continuing its proud tradition of standing at the forefront presenting international quality classical music performance in Bali, both Padma Resorts in Bali will present what may well prove to be the musical event of the year with a performance of the Jakarta Concert Orchestra on September 2, 2017 at Padma Resort Ubud, and the September 3, 2017 at Padma Resort Legian.

Doors for pre-show cocktails open on both evening at 5:30 pm.

Directed by one of Indonesia’s most outstanding conductors, Avip Priatna - the Jakarta Concert Orchestra will be performing classical Indonesian traditional songs in orchestral settings.

Avip Priatna obtained his orchestral training at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and, later, completed his Magister Artium with a cum laude distinction from the Catholic University of Parahyangan.

He founded the Jakarta Chamber Orchestra in 2002 with the determination of bringing international quality orchestra music to the people of Indonesia.

Prianta has collaborated with orchestras around the globe, earning awards and praise along the way.

In an article written by, Lisa Allen, a Senior Writer from The Australian, the many charms and advantages for Australians wishing to purchase a prestige “dream villa” in Bali are enumerated.

Allen says that “for a song” a chosen few Australians can pick up a beachfront Bali villa “replete with swimming pool and cheap labor” via a leasehold or long-term rental contract. Adding temptingly: “Think rock-star lifestyle with 24-hour butlers, chefs, chauffeurs, and gardeners.”

The same article champions the purchase of Bali villas by quoting Matthew Georgeson, director of Elite Haven/Knight Frank in Bali who, when talking about Bali real estate, insists “You can buy very well.”

The article admits in passing that while it is actually illegal for foreigners to “own property outright” - AU$1.5 million will net a 400-500 square meter villa on a 1,000 square meters of land in Batubelig in “trendy Seminyak” that can be purchased in partnership with a local.

What is not revealed by the article are the grave legal problems experienced by legions of foreigners in Bali purchasing property using local Indonesians as the nominee owner. Legally wrong from the get-go, it is a well-accepted principle of law that any legal device purposely configured to circumvent or frustrate both the letter and spirit of the law are ipso facto legally null and void and therefore without legal force. And, on this count, foreign buyers should have no doubt that the Indonesian Constitution is absolutely clear in its opposition to ownership of Indonesian property by non-Indonesians.

Underlining this fact are a large number of cases of nominee deals gone bad in which foreigners have lost their “dream properties” due to their inability to enforce legal agreements created outside the law. Add to this, is the precarious position compliant nominee owners now find themselves in the changing legal environment in Indonesia where officials are taking sterner steps to halt money-laundering, asking the source of funds used to purchase properties by so-called nominees.

The Australian article quotes Tony Smith, an Australian entrepreneur living in Bali, citing his arguable claim that rental rates are rising rapidly in Bali due to Airbnb. In a seeming contradiction, Smith rightly warns that in order to rent a property in Bali the “home owner” must first obtain a pondok wisata license. The pondok wisata license can only be issued to an Indonesian property owner and is not available to foreigners holding property under a “hak pakai” arrangement, a problematic class of property ownership open to facilitate long-term control and occupation of an individual property by a foreigner that does not, however, permit sub-leasing or short term rental.

Georgeson told Lisa Allen that Australians still make up “a significant proportion of buyers, but Indonesians make up most of the market.”

What Foreign Property Buyers in Bali Aren’t Being Told

Here are come of the things not being shared with the foreign customers in Bali by those promoting property sales:

The fact remains that foreigners still can't own land in Indonesia.

Nominee arrangements for foreigners trying to own land in Bali aren't legal and are increasing coming to grief before the Courts, almost invariably at the cost of the foreign party.

Even if you trust your nominee 100% - you effectively do not own anything tangible despite whatever power of attorneys, and performa/fictive loan agreements you have been put together with a Notary.

Those setting up an Indonesian company to own a property should know the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) currently at requires USD 1 Million commitment for new Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) with an upfront cash equity injection of USD 250,000.

A new Foreign Investment Company (PMA) cannot be formed for the sole purpose of acquiring a single residential property.

The law also stipulates that a "Hak Pakai" title – the only class of “ownership” available to foreigner purchasers - CAN ONLY be obtained from an Indonesian seller. This means that when you decide to sell, you cannot sell it to another foreigner. Moreover, the plot thickens: Since Indonesians generally aren’t interested in purchasing "Hak Pakai," the question becomes: Whom are you going to sell your property to? And if, you leave Indonesia or die, the clock starts clicking. There is only one 1 year available to dispose of your property or the government will do it for you at an indeterminate price.

Those considering buying a villa as an investment should consider that a "Hak Pakai" property held by a foreign national cannot in principle be rented out. The government grants foreigners the "Hak Pakai" facility for "a single residential property" to provide housing to the subject purchaser. "Hak Pakai" properties held by foreigners cannot therefore be legally subleased and cannot obtain a Pondok Wisata License that can only be issued to an Indonesian citizen.

Sadly, the article in The Australian smacks more of being an advertorial parading as news presented by Bali-based realtors than anything resembling a factual news report on the possible pitfalls of foreign nationals trying to buy property in Bali.

An inter-provincial bus operated by Gunung Harta careened off the Denpasar-Gilimanuk highway into the edge of the West Bali National Park on Friday, August 18, 2017

Metrobali.com reports that the accident at the KM 121-122 road point was caused when the bus was forced off the road by a truck traveling at a high rate of speed on the wrong side of the roadway at 2:00 am.

The truck, traveling in the direction of Denpasar fled off into the night.

Police say 9 passengers were injured in the mishap with one passenger who died at the scene.

Police report that Sayut Abdullah (44) from Jember, East Java died in the bus accident.

Police continue to investigate the accident.

Films on the Beach at Nusa Dua

Saturday Night at the Movies on the Beach at Ayodya Resort Bali with ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ - August 26th and M*A*S*H - September 2, 2017

Indonesian Made Grills Considered the World’s Best BBQ

American Expat Dennis Linkletter Runs Company Making What is widely Considered the World’s Best BBQ Grill and Smoker in Bali

Indonesia is home to Komodo Kamado Grill and Smoker, manufactured in Java by a company managed in Bali by its founder and designer Dennis Linkletter.

Linkletter, a resident of Bali for 27 years, is the son of American TV legends Jack Linkletter and the grandson of Art Linkletter.

Over a dozen years ago, Dennis Linkletter embarked on an entrepreneurial sojourn like no other, determined to design and build grills and smokers that are second-to-none in terms of engineering, construction and performance.

Call it a vision or call it a quest, the Komodo Kamado Grill and Smoker looks and operates unlike any BBQ grill you have or will ever encounter. Driving home the point, Dennis says trying to compare a Komodo Kamada Grill with other grills is "like comparing a Model-T to an Aston Martin in both performance and user's experience." In fact, the engineering, manufacturing integrity and sheer artistry that goes into each of the 7 sizes of hand-tiled models of Komodo Kamado Grill could see James Bond soon strapping on an apron toman a grill while “Q” busies himself looking for somewhere to park the Aston.

msted writing for Forbes Magazine recently heaped praise on the Indonesian-made Komodo Kamado Grill and Smoker calling it “a grill that can literally do it all” and “without a doubt the best designed and most beautifully made grill of any type I have ever used.” That’s high praise indeed coming from a man who has “test driven” almost every high-end grill on sale today.

This is not a solitary opinion, Steve Raichlen, who maintains a list of the “10 Great Grills” and runs a gourmet BBQ University has called the Komodo Kamado, “far and away the best ceramic cooker I’ve used.”

With a design inspired by Japanese clay pots, the Komodo Kamado Grill might be compared in beauty and shape to an exquisite Faberge Egg. Not surprisingly, the best know model of the grill is called the “Big Green Egg.”

When Olmsted said the Komodo Kamado "can do it all," he wasn’t far wrong. It can slow cook and smoke barbecue to perfection; cooks steaks that would be the pride of any Texas steakhouse; cook pizza and bread that rival any wood fired ovens, roasts, bakes and grills. The largest model is big enough to accommodate two large turkeys that emerge from the process perfectly roasted and smoked for a holiday table.

ls come in a variety of color mosaic finishes, are extremely fuel-efficient and can produce interior temperatures that exceed 1000 degree Fahrenheit. However, at the 235 degrees slow and constant cooking temperature preferred for smoking meats, a Komodo Kamado can run for up to three days on a single fueling. No wonder World Champion BBQ pit master Chris Lilly refers to the Indonesian made grills as “The best cooking, most efficient, and aesthetically perfect outdoor cooker on the market.”

Quality is what has made the Komodo Kamado a “must have” for well-heeled BBQ aficionados and Master chef alike. Made of two fireboxes that tightly seal when the lid is closed, the grills are surrounded by three layers of different materials that naturally insulate.

Over-engineered and over built, the finishes are uncompromising in every detail - boasting stainless steel fixtures that are laser-cut in Switzerland; aerospace insulation and high-tech silicone gaskets that seal the unit during the cooking process, and resplendent mosaic exteriors. Max Good, who specializes in equipment manufacture said: “Komodo Kamado makes some of the most striking, high-quality cookers we’ve seen…Quality and attention to detail are evident in everything you see and touch from the 304 stainless steel grates and hinges to the heavy-duty casters.”

In fact, one pundit suggests you always consult your children in picking the mosaic color scheme for your Komodo Kamado. A wise move given that your progeny are likely to still be using the grill long after your gone.

Ranging from a 16-inch table top model to a 42-inch “monster” weighing 730 kilograms, the price range runs from several thousand dollars to as much as US$9,000.

Expensive, perhaps, but not if you consider these grills are built to last several generations.